MetroRESA launches STEAM courses to address the need for 21st-Century Learning

ATLANTA - Oct. 10, 2018 - PRLog -- Metropolitan Regional Education Service Agency (MetroRESA) and BK International Education Consultancy (BKIEC) have partnered to provide Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) professional learning micro-courses and coaching to K-12 teachers and instructional leaders to address the need for 21st-century learning. "In addition to integrated science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, the arts (including liberal arts, fine arts, music, design-thinking, and language arts) are critical components to 21st-century learning, so it is our goal to show educators how to incorporate artistic and design-related skills and thinking processes into STEM-focused student learning", said Dr. Reagan Biwott, MetroRESA's K-12 Science Instructional Supervisor.

To kick off the 2018-2019 school year, MetroRESA and BKIEC will offer Implementing STEAM-centric Problem-Based Learning (PBL) micro-course to educators in grades 6-8 beginning in late October 2018. The course will facilitate discussion that helps teachers and instructional leaders understand the fundamentals and instructional strategies for STEAM-centric learning. Instructors will engage participants in a high-impact problem-based model lesson that is anchored by 3-dimensions (science core ideas, cross-cutting concepts, and science & engineering practices), as well as math content and the standards for mathematical practice outlined in the Georgia Standards of Excellence. Participants will analyze and reflect on the model lesson, and then use their reflections to develop their own STEAM-centric PBL lesson. Participants will receive virtual coaching over the course of the school year and implement, record, and reflect upon their STEAM PBL lesson as a cohort.

In addition to content and coaching in the micro-course, educators have the opportunity to earn a STEAM micro-credential. A micro-credential is a mini-certification acquired through a performance or competency-based task that allows educators to showcase their growing instructional practices. "As teachers and instructional leaders develop new instructional practices, they deserve recognition for their demonstrated growth," said Bejanae Kareem, BKIEC's STEAM Education Specialist.

For more information about the Implementing STEAM-centric Problem-Based Learning micro-course, please contact reagan.biwott@mresa.org or info@bkconsultancy.org.

About Metropolitan Regional Educational Service Agency

Based in Smyrna, Metropolitan Regional Educational Service Agency (Metro RESA) is one of 16 educational service agencies across the state of Georgia created by the state legislature in 1966. Metro RESA is a consortium of 12 metro Atlanta school districts, 11 state-supported universities, and the public library system.  Metro RESA assists its member organizations by providing a variety of authentic research-based professional learning opportunities and other support services in order to build leaders of teaching and learning who support the highest level of student learning for every P-12 child in their local educational community. Metro RESA serves over 600,000 students in Georgia, which is approximately 40% of the state's student population.

About BK International Education Consultancy

Established in 2012, BK International Education Consultancy's mission is to build stronger learning communities through customized program and curriculum development, continuing education and training, project management, program evaluation, and consultation. BKIEC specializes in customized Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics micro-labs and courses targeted toward educators and parents.